(STATEHOUSE) May 22, 2007 - Today, Governor Daniels signed Senate Enrolled Act 408 (SEA 408), cosponsored by Representative Jeff Thompson (R-Danville), at a ceremonial bill signing.
In order to be sure students are not excluded from identification due to socio-economic status or cultural background, the law requires schools to use multifaceted assessments that test students for high abilities in many academic domains. In turn, the school will be expected to provide appropriate and differentiated instruction to all students identified as high ability.
"Often, students with high abilities are overlooked in our attempt to see that the needs of all students are met," said Rep. Thompson. "This bill will bring us closer to achieving this goal by setting specific criteria for identifying these students who have their own special needs."
SEA 408 changes references to "gifted and talented" to "high ability" and makes certain changes to the criteria for awarding grants to school corporations seeking to fund high ability programs. School corporations will be required to align these high ability programs with existing federal, state, local, and private funding sources. The legislation will take effect July 1, 2007. Rep. Thompson encourages local constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h28@in.gov, or by calling the Statehouse toll-free at 1-800-382-9841. It is also possible to write him at 200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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